What It Is

The female condom is a barrier method of birth control that consists of a thin polyurethane pouch, held in place by an inner ring at the cervix and an outer ring at the opening of the vagina. With an effectiveness rate ranging from 79 to 95 percent, it is not as effective as some other methods of birth control. But for women who don't want to use hormonal birth control methods, such as the Pill or the patch, or who want the protection against sexually transmitted diseases that condoms afford, the female condom is an option.

How It Works

The female condom acts as a physical barrier between sperm and the egg. It prevents pregnancy by keeping the man's sperm from entering the woman's vagina. It is more effective if used with a spermicide.

Advantages

• Available without a prescription
• Does not require fitting by a nurse practitioner or clinician.
• Can be inserted in the vagina up to eight hours before intercourse so it does not interfere with the moment.
• Provides protection against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV
• No known serious side effects
• Easy to carry in a purse or pocket
• Provides an alternative barrier method to the male condom

Disadvantages

• May seem cumbersome and difficult to insert at first
• Some women do not like the fact that the outer ring of the female condom extends outside of the vagina and is visible
• Can break or leak
• More expensive than male condoms

Possible Side Effects and Health Risks

There are no known side effects or health risks involved with the female condom.

How to Use the Female Condom

Wash your hands well before inserting the condom. Squeeze the inner ring of the condom between your thumb and middle finger, and place your index finger in the middle of the ring. With your other hand, spread apart the lips of your vagina. Insert the condom into the vagina as far as possible. Still using your fingers, push the inner ring up until it rests behind the pubic bone. About an inch of the open end will remain outside the body.

If you want, spread extra lubricant on both sides of the female condom for more comfort during intercourse. Don't worry if you feel the female condom moving around during sex. For example, the outer ring may move from side to side, or the sheath may slip up and down on the penis inside the vagina. This is fine as long as the penis remains covered.

However, if it feels like the outer ring is being pulled into the vagina, or if the penis starts to enter underneath or beside the sheath, you must stop having intercourse. Take out the female condom and then insert a new one. Make sure that the outside ring lies over the vaginal lip area.

Other Precautions

• Do not use male condoms with the female condom. Friction between the latex male condom and the polyurethane female condom will prevent the female condom from functioning properly.
• Keep female condoms may away from objects that may puncture it, such as a sharp fingernails, rings, or other jewelry. Although tearing is rare, handle the female condom with care.
• The female condom can be used during your period, but you must remove tampons before it can be properly inserted. You can store the female condom for up to 18 months before use.

How to Protect Against STIs and HIV/AIDS

The only way to guard against getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is not to have sex or to ave sex only with partners who you know are free of infection. If you do have sex, you should use a latex barrier, such as a male condom, a female condom, or a dental dam, every time. Condoms provide protection against against STIs, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDs. Tapestry Health clinicians recommend using such barriers even in combination with other methods of birth control. Latex condoms are preferred to lambskin condoms for the prevention of STIs. Using a spermicide together with a latex barrier can also help keep you from getting an STI.

If you have any questions about the female condom, talk to your clinician.